Collaborative Innovation: A Case Study of Austin’s Economic Development Department

Date

2014-08

Authors

Gonzales, Rodney
Rangarajan, Nandhini

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Abstract

The city of Austin’s multifaceted success in job creation, redevelopment, downtown initiatives, developing tools for small businesses, and growth and diversity in the industry sectors of technology, digital media, film, music, biotechnology, and energy has contributed to its reputation as one of the best cities to live, work and play (Kiplinger, 2010; Badenhausen 2013; Brookings Institute 2013). Austin has been bestowed with awards that recognize it as the most popular city for college graduates and hence one of the biggest brain magnets, most progressive, most digitally savvy, most recession proof and most conducive for small business growth. Such multidimensional success can be attributed in large part to the City of Austin’s Economic Development Policy and the creative efforts of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department (COA-ED, henceforth). Kwon, Berry & Feiock (2009) imply that a comprehensive approach to economic development involves not only an overall economic development plan but also includes plans for small businesses, retention of current businesses and attraction of new ones. COA-ED has identified innovative ways to do all that by leveraging cultural arts, music, small business development, business recruitment, global commerce, and redevelopment initiatives to sustain the city’s economic, cultural (Scott 2000) and creative vitality (Florida 2002; 2005).

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Keywords

economic development, Austin, Texas, collaboration, innovation, Political Science

Citation

Gonzales, R., & Rangarajan, N. (2014). Collaborative innovation: A case study of Austin’s economic development department.

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